Vice President of Communications

Southwestern Electric Cooperative Inc.

$120K — $150K *
Energy & Utilities
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Exceptional written, verbal, and visual communication skills.
  • Strategic mindset for translating goals into communication plans.
  • Deep knowledge of marketing, branding, and public relations practices.
  • Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, journalism, or related field.
  • 6-10 years of experience in communications, marketing, or journalism.
  • Experience leading creative teams and collaborating with executives.

Responsibilities

  • Lead the cooperative's communications strategy for mission-driven messaging.
  • Serve as primary spokesperson and communications advisor.
  • Oversee media relations, crisis communications, and proactive storytelling.
  • Manage the communications team, budget, and resources for member-focused outputs.
  • Ensure quality across publications, digital platforms, and campaigns.

Benefits

  • 401k plan with 5% employer contribution.
  • Pension plan for retirement.
  • Employer-paid health, dental, vision, and life insurance.
  • Annual contribution to employee HSA account.
  • Flexible Spending and Dependent Care Accounts.
  • Employee Assistance Program.
  • Paid holidays, vacation, and personal time off.
  • Educational assistance and career development opportunities.
Full Job Description
Lead the strategy behind how a trusted electric cooperative communicates, connects, and earns confidence.

This is more than a communications role. As Vice President of Communications, you will serve as a member of Southwestern Electric's senior leadership team and play a key role in shaping how we communicate with our members, employees, and communities.

The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker, trusted advisor, skilled storyteller, and confident leader. We are looking for an experienced communications professional who thinks beyond the next publication, campaign, or press release. You will help leadership anticipate challenges, navigate complex issues, strengthen our reputation, and communicate with clarity and purpose.

As Vice President of Communications, you will:
  • Lead and execute Southwestern Electric's communications strategy, ensuring clear, consistent, and mission-driven messaging across all internal and external channels.
  • Serve as the cooperative's primary spokesperson and communications advisor, overseeing media relations, crisis and emergency communications, and proactive storytelling.
  • Oversee the communications team, content, and resources, including publications, digital platforms, campaigns, and budgets, to deliver high-quality, member-focused communications.


What We're Looking For:

We are looking for a strategic leader, not simply a communications practitioner.

The successful candidate will bring:
  • Exceptional written, verbal, and visual communication skills with strong editing and storytelling abilities.
  • Strategic mindset with the ability to turn organizational objectives into actionable communication plans.
  • Deep knowledge of marketing, branding, and public relations best practices.


Education & Experience:
  • Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, journalism, or a related field.
  • Six to ten years of progressive experience in communications, marketing, journalism, or related discipline.
  • Demonstrated experience leading creative professionals and working closely with executive leadership.


How to Apply

To be considered, applicants must submit the following:
  1. A resume outlining relevant experience and leadership background.
  2. Three samples of your work that highlight your experience and strengths related to this position (e.g., writing, campaigns, publications, digital or multimedia content).
  3. A short essay (approximately 500-750 words) addressing: What you believe Southwestern Electric Cooperative-or the electric utility industry as a whole-may face in the next 5-10 years, and how strategic communications can support member trust, engagement, and understanding during that time.


Competitive compensation is just one aspect of our generous benefits package. At Southwestern Electric, we're invested in setting you up for success:

Financial
  • 401k plan with 5% employer contribution
  • Pension plan for retirement

Health and Wellbeing
  • Employer-paid health, dental, vision, and life insurance
  • Lump-sum contribution to employee HSA account each year
  • 125 Plan Flexible Spending and Dependent Care Accounts
  • Employee Assistance Program

Paid Leave
  • Holidays
  • Vacation
  • Personal Time

Professional Development
  • Educational assistance
  • Training and career development opportunities

At Southwestern Electric Cooperative, we offer more than just a job - we offer a fulfilling career where you can make a real impact. Join us in powering communities, driving innovation, and shaping the future of energy.

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at Southwestern Electric Cooperative Inc.

More Energy & Utilities Jobs

Find similar Vice President of Communications jobs: